Enjoying an outdoor space often means navigating the presence of insects, but chemical solutions detract from a patio’s natural appeal. Safer, non-toxic alternatives focus on using natural plant compounds or making simple alterations to the physical surroundings. By leveraging the deterrent properties found in nature, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of unwanted visitors. This article provides actionable, safe steps to reclaim your patio using entirely natural methods.
Strategic Use of Repellent Plants
Introducing specific living plants establishes a continuous, passive line of defense against common pests like mosquitoes and flies. These plants produce aromatic oils that insects find confusing or unpleasant, effectively creating an invisible barrier. The power of these natural deterrents comes from compounds like citronellal, present in several lemon-scented varieties.
Citronella grass contains the oil used in many commercial repellents; placing a growing clump near seating areas helps deter mosquitoes. Rosemary’s robust, woody aroma also works well against mosquitoes and is easily grown in containers. Basil is particularly effective against house flies and mosquitoes, containing volatile compounds like estragole and limonene.
Lavender and marigolds are excellent choices for positioning near entryways and around the patio perimeter. Lavender’s strong essential oil fragrance is disliked by mosquitoes, moths, and fleas. Marigolds emit a scent that deters mosquitoes and can also help keep aphids away from nearby plants. For the best results, place these potted plants where their leaves might be lightly brushed, releasing their protective aromas into the air.
Applied Natural Sprays and Scents
Actively applying concentrated plant derivatives as sprays and scents offers a direct, localized method of control. Homemade essential oil (EO) sprays utilize highly potent plant extracts as an effective alternative to synthetic chemicals. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is recognized as a particularly strong natural repellent that can be mixed into a simple spray base.
A common DIY recipe combines a base of witch hazel or alcohol with distilled water and essential oils. For example, a mixture of 4 ounces of witch hazel, 2 ounces of water, and 30 to 75 drops of EOs like peppermint, citronella, or tea tree oil creates a customizable repellent. Peppermint oil is especially useful as it repels ants, flies, and mosquitoes. This mixture should be shaken thoroughly before each use and reapplied every couple of hours to maintain its protective effect.
Natural smoke or heat-activated scents also provide immediate relief in a localized area. Burning a candle or torch containing natural cedar or citronella oil releases repellent compounds more rapidly than growing the grass. For small nuisance insects like fruit flies, a simple trap consisting of apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap placed in a small dish can lure and capture them.
Modifying the Patio Environment
Addressing the physical characteristics of your outdoor space makes it fundamentally less attractive to insects, especially those relying on stagnant water or specific light cues. Eliminating standing water is a foundational step in mosquito control, as they require only a small amount of still water to lay eggs. Regularly check and empty items such as plant saucers, bird baths, and clogged gutters, as these are common breeding sites.
Strategic use of a simple fan can significantly disrupt mosquito activity. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and struggle to navigate in winds exceeding 10 to 12 miles per hour. The moving air also disperses the carbon dioxide and body odors that humans emit, which are the primary cues mosquitoes use to locate a host. For the greatest effect, aim oscillating or box fans low, focusing the airflow across the ground and surrounding the seating area.
Adjusting your patio lighting is an effective way to minimize nocturnal insect attraction. Many insects are strongly drawn to short-wavelength light, specifically the ultraviolet and blue spectrums. Switching out cool white bulbs for warm-toned LEDs in the 2700 to 3000 Kelvin range significantly reduces the number of insects drawn to your space. These warmer lights emit longer, yellow or amber wavelengths that are much less visible to the majority of flying pests.